extraordinaire
Americanadjective
Usage
What does extraordinaire mean? Extraordinaire is an adjective that means “outstanding” or “remarkable.” It is always used after the noun it describes, as in a writer extraordinaire. Extraordinaire is most commonly used to describe a person with exceptional talent. Unlike most English adjectives, extraordinaire is used postpositively, meaning it must immediately follow the noun that it describes. Example: My grandmother makes the most delicious dishes, and my whole family considers her a chef extraordinaire.
Explanation
The informal adjective extraordinaire is a great way to describe someone who does something particularly well. You might describe your sister as a dog trainer extraordinaire, for example. If you know people who are truly outstanding at what they do, you might want to use extraordinaire when you talk about them. You could mention your neighbor, the cupcake baker extraordinaire, or your uncle who's an amateur magician extraordinaire. In either case, you're emphasizing how good they are at their particular talents. Extraordinaire is a French word that means "extraordinary, unusual, or out of the ordinary," and it's been used as a superlative in English since the 1940's.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
On Saturday came sad news that Palmerston, a black-and-white cat, once mouser to the Foreign Office and "Diplocat extraordinaire", had passed away in Bermuda where he retired in 2020.
From Barron's • Feb. 15, 2026
Marea Stamper, aka DJ extraordinaire The Blessed Madonna, is cramming her belongings into well-worn suitcases, ahead of a forthcoming Australian tour.
From BBC • Oct. 16, 2024
At first, the other parents considered me a soccer extraordinaire and wanted to hear stories, but after several years, I’ve become a normal parent.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 11, 2024
Jay Gatsby — self-made enigma, party host extraordinaire and talk of the summer season in West Egg, Long Island — doesn’t carry his insecurities lightly.
From New York Times • Apr. 25, 2024
I’m partnered up with Simone, athlete extraordinaire, for our weights unit, so there’s no opportunity to talk to Tats in class.
From "Saints and Misfits" by S.K. Ali
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
